We're pleased that you have a copy of the winter edition of Health Essentials; there is valuable information on every page. You may find that some questions you have regarding your health will be answered in this edition. This issue is a resource to learn about a variety of issues: hospice care, organ donation, stretching exercises and cardiac care for women.

Women often make decisions for their families when it comes to health choices.Yet, the truth is that women often neglect their own health.Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. The INTEGRIS Heart Hospital wants to help women understand their risks and learn about prevention. Turn to page 6 or see the special insert to find out how you can get involved in a new program called Heart Essentials. It's a program just for women, and membership in the program includes a personal cardiac risk profile, various screenings and evaluations.

We know that exercise does a body good. Have you ever thought how beneficial stretching programs can be? In this Health Essentials, we take a closer look at what those programs can do for your well-being. The INTEGRIS Pacer Fitness Center offers courses in yoga, Pilates and the "Better Backs" program to help you get in shape.

The number of people who are waiting for an organ transplant illustrates the desperate need for organ donors. Right now in the United States, as many as 87,000 people are praying for a miracle match.More than 500 are Oklahomans. Sadly, 50 Oklahomans died last year awaiting an organ donation. In this issue, some questions about organ donation are answered.

Caring for a terminally ill loved one is emotionally and physically draining. For several years now, Hospice of Oklahoma County has provided support to families in this situation. It's a nonprofit agency that has grown from caring for 30 patients and their families to 500 terminally ill patients a year. Helpful information is outlined here to explain all of the nursing services, social programs and spiritual care that Hospice of Oklahoma County delivers.

The information inside this issue can help all of us. These topics – from heart disease to hospice care – will affect all of us at some point in our lives. Perhaps, what we learn now will help us make healthier decisions in the future.

Stanley Hupfeld, FACHE
INTEGRIS Health, President and CEO

Heart Disease is the Number One
Killer of Women in the United States.
The INTEGRIS Heart Hospital wants to help women understand their risks and learn about prevention. Click here for more details.

INTEGRIS Health 3300 N.W. Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 949-3011 | HealthLine: (888) 951-2277